A young couple believed to be from Northern Ireland have been found dead on a beach in South Africa.

The 28-year-old man and 26-year-old woman are suspected to have drowned.

The couple were on holiday and understood to be from Co Down.

A local man discovered a male's body washed up on Robberg Beach at Plettenberg Bay at 6pm on Friday.

While he reported it emergency services, two female walkers told him they had come across the body of a female about 200 metres along the beach.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), police and an ambulance arrived at the scene and carried out "extensive" CPR on the couple, but they were both declared dead.

A NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said: "It is believed that they had gone to swim shortly after arriving in Plettenberg Bay on holiday.

"It is suspected that they drowned. Sea conditions were rough with strong rip-currents in the vicinity.

"Police have opened an inquest docket and although no foul play is suspected the deaths are being investigated."

The bodies have been handed into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.

British authorities are assisting with family abroad. The emergency services and those involved have expressed sincerest condolences.

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed the deaths of two British nationals, adding: "We are providing assistance to both families at this extremely difficult time, and will remain in contact with local authorities."